Nov 1, 2023 3 min read

Name: Natalie Carr

School: Canon-McMillan

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Carr’s week: The Big Macs’ outside hitter had 22 kills and 13 digs in a 3-1 victory over Penn-Trafford in the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals, which was held last Thursday in front of a home crowd.

Canon-McMillan won the first set, 25-23, but lost the second by the same score. The Big Macs earned a 25-16 victory in the third set before going on a 9-2 run to close out the fourth set, 25-23.

“Our team chemistry is what helped up in that match,” Carr said. “We communicate after every point. I always make sure I am on the same page with my setters. I think we are moving in the right direction.”

The Warriors’ Elle Visco gave Canon-McMillan some problems with her strong hitting, but Carr said the focus was on Visco’s tendencies, which was to hit the ball across the court.

The Big Macs also avenged a loss to Penn-Trafford in last year’s quarterfinals.

Year-round player: Carr’s focus on volleyball will remain once the high school season is over, as she plays the sport year round. Carr plays for the Pittsburgh Elite volleyball club in Emsworth.

“We have tournaments all over the country and can qualify for nationals,” Carr said. “I also play outside hitter for my club team, so I don’t have to worry about switching positions.

“I hope to earn a scholarship to play in college, and staying as consistent as you can is very important. I probably need to work on my serve-receive most when it comes to playing in college.”

Playing club volleyball offers an opportunity to travel around the country.

“It is definitely a neat experience to travel to different states and see other places,” Carr said. “It make for a fun team, even though we are focused on competing.”

Carr still has some time to decide what she wants to study in college, but has an interest in psychology.

Time to relax: When Carr has some free time, which might not seem like a lot with school and volleyball, she enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking and reading.

“I like to be outdoors, and just being out in nature takes away all the stresses of life,” Carr said.

Compiled by Jonathan Guth